Leo Berchem's Obituary
Leo L. Berchem
Waupaca, WI Age 86 – died on Monday, December 22, 2008 at Bethany Home in Waupaca, WI, where he had been a resident for the last five years. He was born on April 30, 1922 in Boyd, WI, the son of Edward and Dorothy (Shilts) Berchem. He married Dolores Hofkes on September 10, 1945 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Boyd, WI. She preceded him in death on September 20, 1992. Leo is survived by his children; Luanne (William) Dorsey of Waupaca, WI, Steven (Linda) Berchem of Petoskey, MI, Michele “Mickey” Berchem (Harold Deschler) of Waupaca, WI, and Jane Duchac of Racine, WI, grandchildren; Elizabeth Girard, Patricia Castaldi, Christopher Dorsey, Mark Deschler, Amy Schultz, Eric Deschler, Michael Berchem, Keri Fillmore, Julie Silich, Lisa Helland, Jason Duchac, and Matthew Duchac, nineteen great grandchildren, and a sister; Lucille McQuillan of Boyd, WI. He is further survived by special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; Dolores, his parents, two brothers; Arnold and Marvin Berchem, and a son-in-law: Ted Duchac. Leo had been employed as a Ward Supervisor at the Southern Wisconsin Center in Union Grove, WI for 25 years. While living in Union Grove he was a member of the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. He had served in the U.S. Army during WW II. He was stationed in France and had worked as an airplane mechanic. He had attained the rank of Sergeant. Leo was a past member of the American Legion Post # 326 - Boyd, WI. Leo was an avid gardener, and loved sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. Leo was also a former member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Boyd, WI. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Boyd, WI on Monday, January 5, 2009 at 10:30 AM, with Father Robert Nelson, Celebrant. Interment will be in the Parish Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the Plombon Funeral Home, 502 N. Broadway St., Stanley, WI 54768 on Sunday, January 4, 2009 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Bethany Home of Waupaca, 1226 Berlin St., Waupaca, WI, 54981 in memory of Leo L. Berchem. The Plombon Funeral Home of Stanley, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
What’s your fondest memory of Leo?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leo?
Share a story where Leo's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leo you’ll never forget.
How did Leo make you smile?